Maritime Back Injuries

Maritime work is inherently dangerous, and back injuries are some of the most common maladies suffered by seamen.

Back Injury Causes

Years of lifting cargo while loading and unloading vessels may result in spinal disc degeneration, accompanied by severe pain and possible debilitation. Other typical causes of maritime back injuries include:

Being struck by heavy equipment.

Slipping and falling on a wet dock or deck.

Being struck by moving cargo or a cargo crane.

Being assaulted by a coworker.

Typical Back Injuries

Damage to the back due to maritime injuries may result in:

Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can be caused by direct trauma to the spinal cord itself, or by damage to the bones and tissue surrounding the spine. These injuries may result in a severed spine or spinal cord, paraplegia, quadriplegia, or other forms of paralysis.

Fractured vertebrae injuries. Damage to the spinal column caused by falls or severe impacts can lead to a fractured vertebrae injury. Fractured vertebrae may result in painful pinched nerves, limited mobility, and even paralysis.

Disc injuries. A spinal disc herniation, or slipped disc, may be caused by trauma or lifting injuries. Disc degeneration can result from spinal discs wearing down over time, and this process may be accelerated by the performance of hard manual labor.

Sprains and strains. Lifting and moving heavy objects can result in sprains (overstretching) or strains (tears) in the muscles and ligaments of the back, causing acute pain.

You Need an Attorney

If you’ve suffered a back injury due to a work-related maritime accident, you may receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The value of a Jones Act case typically depends upon the severity and longevity of your ailments, and you need an experienced maritime injury attorney to secure the compensation you deserve.

To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.